Speech and language therapist courses

[Sendginandtonic]

Hi

Im stuck in a bit rut. I've given up my job and focusing on what I would really like to do.

I would love to be a speech therapist but I'm 36, have 2 children and the only course available is over an hours commute everyday for 4 years!!!

So I'm thinking distance learning. But I haven't got a clue where to start or even if anyone would employ me once I've done it.

Does anyone have any experience of this??

There are currently 5 jobs going in my local area as assistants but even these I need a qualification.

I've got a degree and also a childcare course below my belt.

Please can anyone offer me advice x

You can't do distance learning to train to be an SLT as you have to be able to attend placements. If you've already got a degree, is a two year postgraduate course an option?? Would be tricky with kids, though.

What you tend to find on SLT courses is a lot of ppl do have considerable commutes. It's worth contacting the uni to find out things like typical timetables as it's not always 5 days a week.

I should have mentioned - there tends to be a higher than typical amt of mature students on SLT courses hence the long commute times as they don't tend to live in halls.

Hi I started my masters in SALT this September. I commute to London 3 days a week at the moment but this changes in January as I will have a one day a week placement (also in London) I have 3 children and it is a real balancing act but doable if you are organised and with support (family or paid) I'm happy to chat via pm if you want to ask anything.

I'm a second year SLT student in the Netherlands and my degree is part distance learning. I go to uni one day a week and the rest I study at home. I try to find work placements near me. My commute to school is about 90 minutes door to door, but it's doable as it's just once a week. Not sure something like this exists in the UK though.

The number of mature students on my course outnumbers the 'normal' students quite significantly.

Also, you may not have classes for the full 4 years. At my uni most classes are in the first 2 years and from then on it's long work placements and dissertation, with limited classes.

It's hard work, good childcare, an understanding partner and friends are important as it's major investment of time, money and energy. But it's so enjoyable.

In the UK, you would expect to have placements and lectures throughout the course.

I graduate next year and whilst at times its been tricky (lone parent), it's not been too horrendous. The tricky bits are balanced out by the long holidays and flexibility.

Thanks everyone. I'm not sure what to do. My husband works away Nd is onyl home some weekends. We've got no family anywhere near us. I will ring the university in the morning and see what they say. I can't believe it's the only one in my area when there is such a demand for SALT where we live. Doesn't quite make sense.

So glad I'm not the only person thinking about it. Hope you are all enjoying your courses

There may be a demand for SLT but there aren't that many jobs!

I'm an ex-SLT and I'd agree demand for SLT and funding for posts are two different things! If the uni doesn't work out for you then it might be worth looking at the assistant posts and seeing what qualifications they require. There aren't national qualifications for assistants in quite the same way so they may require a qualification that is available locally. The RCSLT (Royal college of SLTs) are looking at an apprenticeship type scheme to allow experienced assistants to qualify as SLTs on the job. It's still in development at the moment but hopefully it'll happen and it might suit you long-term. (I know this as one of my bf's is a SLTA who can't afford to give up work and go to Uni so is desperately hanging on for the apprenticeship).

Thanks. I will look into the apprenticeships as that would work well for us as a family. There seems to be regular jobs for speech therapists in my local area also. Obviously that changes as and when there is a demand. I'm really passionate about this so will literally try my all to do it x